07/06/19 – Billy Budd (Royal Opera) – 1pm
The Royal Opera House’s
Billy Budd
Benjamin Britten
Three new recruits join the warship HMS Indomitable, commanded by the scholarly Captain Vere. The first two are nothing special, but the third, young Billy Budd, is hailed by the Master at Arms John Claggart as a jewel – despite his occasional stammer. Billy settles in happily as foretopman and his kindness quickly makes him friends.
However, Billy’s goodness has also inspired the tormented Claggart to hatred, and he vows to destroy him. He fabricates evidence that Billy plans to lead the ship’s crew in a mutiny, then accuses Billy in front of Captain Vere. Billy is stunned, and reacts violently and with devastating consequences.
Title: Billy Budd
Hosts: Kate Molleson, Lisa Flynn
Broadcast Producer: BBC
WFMT Series Producer: Daniel Goldberg
Conductor: Ivor Bolton
Sung in English
Cast (in order of vocal appearance):
Edward Fairfax Vere – Toby Spence
Mr. Flint – David Soar
First Mate –Ross Ramgobin
Second Mate – Simon Wilding
Bosun – Alan Ewing
Donald – Duncan Rock
Maintop – Konu Kim
Novice– Sam Furness
Squeak – Alasdair Elliott
Mr. Redburn – Thomas Oliemans
Lt. Ratcliffe– Peter Kellner
John Claggart – Brindley Sherratt
Arthur Jones – Thomas Barnard
Billy Budd– Jacques Imbrailo
Novice’s Friend – Dominic Sedgwick
Dansker– Clive Bayley
Musical Content
Timing:
Act I – 1 hour 30 minutes
Interval – 25 minutes
Act II – 1 hour 25 minutes
